May 2012 Herald Magazine

MAY 2012

Review to look at how local communities are run

PEOPLE in Hinckley & Bosworth are being given their say on how their local communities are run. This is because the Borough Council is reviewing parish and town council electoral arrangements in the borough and wants to hear people’s views.

Called a Community Governance Review, it will look at how local communities across the area are governed to make sure the arrangements are appropriate and relevant. It has been 10 years since the last review took place.

The review will consider: • creating, merging, altering or abolishing parishes; • the naming of parishes and the style of new parishes; • the electoral arrangements for parishes (the ordinary year of election; council size; the number of councillors to be elected to the council, and parish warding), and • grouping parishes under a common parish council.

The terms of reference can be viewed on the council’s website at www.hinckley-bosworth.gov. uk/communitygovernance, at the council offices in Argents Mead or a copy can be supplied upon request. Maps showing the current boundaries can also be viewed on the website or at the offices.

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Look out for special events at local pub’s and clubs to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June.

The Fieldhead Hotel is organising a whole weekend of events with a 5-day bed & breakfast holiday at any Old English Inn on offer as a competition prize.

Just across the road, the Coach & Horses at Field Head are having a family fun day in the garden with bouncy castle and lots to do.

South Charnwood High School pupils “Rock” in London

An overnight trip to London was organised by Miss White in the Music and Drama department on the13th and 14th March for pupils at South Charnwood High School.

Over the two days pupils got to experience the West End show “We Will Rock You”, went on a sightseeing tour of London; ate out at a London restaurant in Covent Garden and took part in two workshops at Pineapple Dance studios with members of the West End cast. As the school group arrived at Pineapple Dance Studios the pop group “Blue” were just leaving.

Mr Whitley, a teacher from school, accompanying the pupils, managed to convince “Blue” that he would be a valuable addition to the group and their first publicity picture is printed above.

Mercenfeld Summer Fete This year Mercenfeld Primary School will be holding their annual Summer Fete on Saturday 23rd June.

The school have decided to combine their Summer Fete with the offical 150th Year anniversary of the school’s opening. They are hoping to attract many visitors young and old from far and wide to include hopefully some local celebrities.

If you would like to book a Stall for this event you can download the booking form from the Herald website (www.markfieldherald.co.uk) ASAP and return it to Rachael Underwood, PTA Secretary, at Mercenfeld School, Oakfield Avenue, Markfield.

Charity Coffee Morning at Markfield Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Saturday 26th May 2012 10 am until 12 noon.

There will be coffee, cakes (including gluten free) as well as other refreshments and a raffle and gift stall.

It would make a lovely break for Main Street shoppers!

Concert in aid of Cruse Bereavement Care On Saturday March 24th a very appreciative audience enjoyed a concert performed

by Highcliffe Harmony.

This was the second visit to Markfield of this choir and once again we were not disappointed with the standard of entertainment.

There was something for everyone and also two excellent soloists.

The interval saw everyone tucking into homemade cakes which seemed to go down well as there were very few left!

A total of £395.30 was raised which will go to Cruse Bereavement Care to support the work of bereavement support workers who give their time freely and support the bereaved in their own homes.

Fran Johnson

NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 9th June - Advert & Articles Needed By 26th May

CAFÉ 4 U At

WOW

135 Main St. Stanton Under Bardon

Sunday 27th May From 4pm with Coffee & Cake

A church service with a difference

MOBILE PHYSIO SERVICE Providing Assessment and Treatment for the management of musculoskeletal conditions and Sports Injuries.

07531852018 AnthonyWoodward@Hotmail.co.uk www.AnthonyWoodwardPhysio.co.uk Registered member of the Health Professions Council

Contact 07875378628 for details

Hose Pipe Ban Hose pipe bans came into force in some areas in April 2012 Water companies across parts of England are issuing hosepipe bans amid fears of drought conditions.

Bans will come into force in certain regions with effect from 5th April 2012.

Warnings from the Environment Agency state further areas are likely to be affected. People in breach of the ban face prosecution and risk being fined up to £1000.

In anticipation of this Endurance Landscape Services are offering to supply and install water butts incorporating irrigation systems to help householders over what could potentially be a long and dry summer. Thereby ensuring your car is kept clean,your lawns are kept green and gardens in bloom.

Using a hosepipe to wash your car uses a lot of water, up to 25% is wasted on the ground. Using a bucket from a water butt helps to reduce wastage.

Collecting rainwater in a water butt could save in the region of 5000 litres of water per year.

For those householders who would like to be prepared against the measures proposed and invest in a quick and cheap water harvesting system, can contact Endurance Landscape Services on 01530 230462 or 07976 585 163 or email. mail@endurancelandscaping.co.uk

Landscape Services Ltd

Call: 01530 230 462 FREE QUOTES

LAWNCARE & MAINTENANCE FENCING PAVING & PATIOS SNOW CLEARING PADDOCK SERVICES HOME & GARDEN

24hr Snow Clearance & Fence Repair Available

CONTRACT & COMMERCIAL

24/7

www.endurancelandscaping.co.uk mail@endurancelandscaping.co.uk

The roundest knight at King Arthur’s round table was Sir Cumference.

The Herald PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Tel: 01530 244069 info@markfieldherald.co.uk www.markfieldherald.co.uk

The Herald is a monthly local magazine delivered free to approximately 4,000 homes and businesses in Markfield, Field Head, Stanton under Bardon, Thornton and Bagworth.

Contact Mike Wilkinson with your articles, news items or advertising enquiries.

Printed by Norwood Press in Ellistown.

The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Herald Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. The Herald cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. The Herald reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication.

All contents © The Herald None of the articles or adverts contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from The Herald.

Have you met the Howling Banshee of Thornton?

Blood-curdling howls that would do a werewolf justice have been heard recently.

They reach a shrill crescendo and are loud enough to make one want to stop one’s ears . No – it’s not a close encounter of the third kind! It’s the strange effect of the easterly wind insinuating its way through the tiny gap in the fire doors at the Community Centre.

Another effect of the recent extreme weather was that the penetrating rain found its way into the building and puddles appeared on our newlypolished Hall floor, thus revealing the need for some re-pointing of the brickwork!

We shall have to take remedial action. There’s always a job to be done, and, much as we try to plan ahead, the unexpected often takes us by surprise.

During the past year we have continued to maintain the building and to make improvements and refurbishments. Recently the Sports Hall has been redecorated so that it looks fresh and clean, and the Main Hall has had a face-lift. It, too, has been redecorated; the floor has been re-polished and we have new curtains.

Our next project will be the re-surfacing of the driveway which is much in need of repair.

You may not know that the Centre is managed by Trustees who are all volunteers. Each affiliated organisation which uses the Centre has an elected representative who serves as a Trustee. Then there are other interested persons who have expressed their willingness to become involved in Centre affairs, and who were then elected at the AGM to serve as Trustees.

John Walker

Prize Bingo in Bagworth The Bagworth Forward Group is organising a prize bingo night on Monday 21 May at 7.30 pm in the Bagworth Community Centre.

We are a group of volunteers and all of the money that we raise is used to enhance the life of the village, for example the plants and planters that you see around the village.

Please support us and win some excellent prizes. There will also be a raffle and refreshments.

Contact 01530 230429.

Bob Austin

This issue of The Herald is being delivered over the weekend of 5-6 May 2012 by The Herald’s team of dedicated deliverers, namely: Amy, Maureen, John, Phoebe, Sam, Jordan, Ian, Ann, Gill, Janet, John, Helen, Don, Jeanie, Jenny, Lauren, Daisy, Heather, Margaret, Matthew, Alexander, Mike, Rowan, John & Sue. St Michael’s Church May Event

Ploughman’s Lunch with Raffle, Tombola and Plant Stall

Saturday 12th May Congregational Church Hall from 11.00 am - 1.30 pm

To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone.

FREE HORSE MANURE

Quality Handmade Ironwork

for allotments or gardens.

Bags of fresh horse manure to collect free from Thornton.

Phone Brian on 01530 230633

01530-243804

Made to order to your individual design

www.handmade-ironwork.co.uk

Jane’s Groovy Movers celebrate 25 years at Markfield Community Centre At Markfield Community Centre of 16th April 2012, a group of keepfitters celebrated the 25th anniversary of the centre’s opening.

The keep fit class has been held at Markfield Community Centre since it opened in 1987, and Jane Thompson has been the teacher for the whole 25 years.

The photo (right) shows Jane, with class members Bronwyn and Frances, looking at old photos, including one of Lord Seb Coe opening the Centre.

“The good wife’s guide” •

•

•

•

• •

•

This is an actual article from the Housekeeping Monthly Magazine 13 May 1955

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.

Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of workweary people.

Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him.

His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.

Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. and then tables.

Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by.

Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

Prepare the childrens. Take a few minutes to wash the children’s hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

• • •

•

•

• •

•

• •

•

Be happy to see him.

Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first-remember his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

Your goal: to make sure your home is a place of peace, order, and tranquility where your husband can renew himself.

Don’t greet him with complaints and problems.

Don’t complain if he’s late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as a minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.

Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes.

Speak in low, soothing and pleasant voice.

Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

A good wife always knows her place.

Things have changed a bit since 1955!

My parents were so poor, they got married for the rice.

National changes spark re-design of children’s services A new phase of change has been outlined as part of a re-design of services for children and young people.

Leicestershire County Council is working closely with schools on the proposals which are contained in a new report.

The wider move to re-shape children and young people’s services has been sparked by new national rules and a reduction in funding.

These mean that services provided by local authorities across the country are changing and that a number of responsibilities are moving from the County Council to schools.

The report suggests: • creating a smaller core truancy team to support vulnerable young people and deal with prosecutions • merging the council’s two behaviour teams • focusing anti-bullying work on early help • running the ‘parent partnership’ service - advice for parents and carers of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities - during term time only • reducing and refocusing the team that assesses the level of support needed by children with special educational needs.

The council is working with schools and parents on the transition and received over 300 responses to a recent consultation on the plans.

Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for the children and young people’s service, said: “The education landscape is changing and it’s important that we act early to re-design our services and ensure they’re in line with government expectations.

“The council’s future role will focus mainly on vulnerable children, young people and their families, and we’re working closely with schools to make sure that changes are phased in and that they support each other.

“After listening carefully to feedback from staff, we’re proposing to retain the anti-bullying team but focus work on preventing bullying at an early stage.

“We do appreciate that this is an unsettling time for staff and are working with them to explore redeployment and redundancy options to minimise the impact.”

The council’s cabinet will discuss the proposals at a meeting on 8th May.

YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICIAN “ Everything From A Blown Fuse To A Complete Re-wire! ”      

Fuse Box Upgrades, Extensions Sockets, Lights, Heating, Fans, TV etc Burglar Alarms & Security Lights Safety Inspections, Landlord Reports Fault Finding, Testing & Repairs Also Property Maintenance.

Call Now For A FREE Estimate!

Mobile: 0798 0911 869

Office:(0116) 2872338

Website Address: www.pqelectrics.com

Credit cards are VERY dangerous. Every time I try to use one, somebody starts chasing me with scissors.

The New Planning Framework: a missed opportunity?

Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald

I have written before about how the planning system was set to change with the launch of the Government’s new National Planning and Policy Framework.

This framework constitutes statutory guidance and as such is mandatory on planning authorities like Hinckley and Bosworth. At the time of the consultation for the new framework, organisations like the National Trust and Council for the Protection of Rural England campaigned heavily against a number of the proposed changes suggesting that these changes would lead to increased development in the open countryside with less protection against developers.

As the document was a consultation, it was hoped by me and many others that the more damaging aspects of the proposed framework would be changed to perhaps better reflect what the

two ruling coalition parties has said regarding planning matters prior to the General Election. In fact at the last general election - and for periods before and after - successive candidates at local and national elections promised planning decisions that really took account of views at a local level and sought to protect the countryside from development.

Although a sceptic myself I had genuinely hoped that planning might be reformed, to respond better to the direct needs of the local communities where development was planned.

Well the NPPF is now live and a reality and it is definitely shaking up the planning system. For a start It is ripping up almost all of what went before and is laying the groundwork for a new planning mechanism, but sadly and not surprisingly I suspect one that still favours ever more development and one which will lead to more of that development taking place in

the open countryside.

At a very recent all-party briefing at the Borough Council we had a presentation from our chief planning officer concerning the new NPPF. I would not be telling a lie when I said that members were deeply concerned about what they heard, in fact one opposition member called the whole thing a ‘dog’s breakfast’, and that, after some post consultation improvements had been made to satisfy some of the strongest objectors.

So what are the big concerns?

Well for one the new policy has a clear inbuilt presumption in favour of sustainable development.

What that means exactly will be a major source of discussion over the coming months and years.

Indeed some have called this a lawyers paradise as legal battles rage over the meaning of the term sustainable. The new framework is, to quote our chief planner at the Borough, ‘unashamedly

pro-housing’ and should boost the supply of new housing developments. They have not only retained the need to have a 5 year land supply of housing sites (meaning if everything stopped tomorrow there would be enough land to meet a projected demand for 5 years of housing needs) but they have added to this with a requirement to have an extra buffer of 5% or 20% if there is persistent under delivery of housing. Failure to keep a ready 5 year land supply in effect makes it almost impossible to reject any housing application no matter how controversial. It also applies to industrial developments and gypsy and traveller sites. The key factor for the government is to drive economic growth through housing but I feel this misses the point. We currently already have over 700,000 permissions already granted in England and Wales alone where no development has yet taken place, partly because at present it is hard to get a mortgage

FAST PASS DRIVING SCHOOL

WHATEVER YOUR DRIVING REQUIREMENTS WE HAVE A COURSE FOR YOU FIRST 90 MINUTE ASSESSMENT £20 NEW STARTERS NERVOUS OR MATURE DRIVERS INTENSIVE COURSES

CALL US FREE ON 08000 197 547 www.fastpassdrivingschool.org.uk

Money can’t buy everything ... but then again, neither can no money.

especially if a first time buyer - and until this is resolved how would getting a whole load of new permissions help? Permissions don’t drive growth, building does to a point. Still have we not been told that we must see a more balanced picture with regards to economic growth, one which is not so closely tied to housing.?

One opportunity the new framework does provide is the ability for local communities to create their own neighbourhood plans which would have much greater bearing on planning decisions. A neighbourhood plan would set out the aspirations of a given local community and how any development would complement this. This sounds a very sensible proposal but for two things. One is that it still cannot get in the way of the presumption in favour of sustainable development and secondly the need to have a five year land supply takes precedent. Another concern about neighbourhood plans is the level of support and resource required to produce one, as it would need to be defensible at an appeal and also the requirement to hold a referendum of the affected community. The cost of such a referendum would need to be met by that community and this could run into many thousands of pounds in larger communities.

The principle of local community

plans is one I fully support and it is surely right to allow local communities to have a bigger say in where housing should go, but the process laid down currently will result in very few plans being developed over the next few years simply on the grounds of the available resources to do one, the costs associated and the level of uncertainty as to its real value should a planning authority struggle to maintain the 5 year housing supply.

A final concern I and others share, is the new guidance on enforcement of those who transgress planning policy.

Enforcement has to be a real threat to those who act outside the designated policy, without it the system would soon lose any credibility. The new guidance suggests that enforcement action by a planning authority is discretionary and it should always be proportional. Going back many years the development of Costalot near Bagworth happened partly because the Council at the time failed to act decisively to progress enforcement of obvious planning breaches. In the future a Council may decide that the cost of taking any transgressors to court may not be a proportional, this being a resource led judgement. It will inevitably end up being a political decision with enforcement linked to how many votes would be lost or gained by taking certain actions. The introduction of a strong political interference in the enforcement system cannot be a good thing and will work against outlying communities perceived not to matter as much.

So a great opportunity missed? I would say so if I ever thought the planning system was really going to change in the first place. In reality it is the planning culture of this country that needs to change, a culture that has been dominant for longer than I have been around and one that seems only able to consider development as more of the open countryside under concrete.

HAMLIN’S PLUMBING SERVICES All Types of Plumbing Work Undertaken No job too small Call Mick on 01530 245155 or 07813 065538 Qualified Local Plumber with Years of Experience

Poetry Emotion

By Stewart Henderson, BRF, £6.99

Stewart Henderson’s latest poems come from what he describes as: “the accumulated experience of watching children in classrooms throughout the UK draw shapes of words and thoughts on unlined paper, in some cases in illegible pencil.

It is a privileged and heartbreaking exercise to view; the children not knowing how vulnerable they’re being.”

Poetry becomes their friend, says Henderson. “It gives voice to the small, the dented, the gagged .... On countless occasions I have observed children, irrespective of social background or ethnicity, making friends with poetry.” He describes poetry for children as a place where “you can make up your own jokes and gleefully mix words together like ‘marzipan chapati’ and invent whistling butterflies.”

Poetry Emotion is an attempt at a pastoral book, says Henderson, “with the poems seeking to explain to the ‘tall shadows’ world of adults what it’s like to be a child in ‘Big Society’ Britain today… and to give that collective child his and her voice.”

Poetry Emotion Competition To celebrate the launch of Stewart Henderson’s book, the Bible Reading Fellowship are launching the Poetry Emotion competition.

Can you write an eight-line poem to express your emotions on why reading matters?

Send your poem to kevin. ball@brf.org.uk. Competition closes 31 August 2012.

The winner will be chosen by Stewart Henderson and will receive an autographed copy of Poetry Emotion.

Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use.

News from Markfield WI

Community Repaint: Easter Egg-cess? Traders, Take Stock Of Your Tins!

Calling all painters and decorators!

Paint Reuse Can Cut Decorators’ Disposal Costs

Did you know that donating your leftover, reusable paint to Community RePaint can help you to save money on disposal costs?

The UK-wide paint reuse network is encouraging those in the trade to take stock of their tins following the busy Easter Bank Holiday in a bid to get more businesses supporting local paint reuse.

Community RePaint schemes collect unwanted, surplus paint and re-distribute it to individuals, families and communities in need, improving the wellbeing of people and the appearance of places across the UK. Painters, decorators and retailers can donate leftover or surplus reusable paint to a local Community RePaint scheme for a small fee to cover processing and running costs, a charge that will be considerably cheaper than waste disposal.

Schemes accept all brands of the following types of paint in their original container; emulsion, gloss and tile paint, eggshell, satin paint undercoat, primer, masonry and floor paint, exterior paint, varnishes and woodstains.

To find out how to donate paint, traders can contact Community RePaint on: 0113 200 3959 or visit the website to locate their nearest Community RePaint scheme: www.communityrepaint.org.uk

In 2011, householders, traders and paint manufacturers donated 343,957 litres3 of paint to Community RePaint schemes, which then distributed 217,112 litres to community groups and individuals saving 565 tonnes of CO2 – the equivalent of taking 192 cars off our roads.

“Easter is a busy time of year for painters and decorators. Spring has sprung and householders who don’t DIY often GSI – Get Someone In - to spruce up their homes,” said Community RePaint Network Manager Martin Pearse. “Traders with leftover, reusable paint can donate it to a local Community RePaint scheme, which will both benefit their business and help to protect the planet.”

The Community RePaint Network has been sponsored by Dulux since 1993. David Cornish, PostUse Recover Manager, added: “Throwing valuable paint away is just plain daft – never mind having to pay hundreds of pounds to do so! If the painting industry can help people to use paint that would otherwise be wasted, then that’s a good result for everybody and we are very proud to support Community Repaint in their excellent work.”

Markfield WI have begun the year with some entertaining evenings covering a very wide range of interests.

In January we welcomed Rob Bostock who has been practising as a vet in Coalville since 1975 and is now the part owner of the practice Cockburn and Nadin. Rob’s face was familiar to many of our pet owning members as the kindly and skilled vet who has made our pets happy once more, or who has consoled us when the news was not so good. He gave us a very amusing and informative talk on the life and work of a vet in a varied practice, eat your heart out James Herriot!

Rob was followed, in February, by two lovely ladies from Clarins Beauty Department at John Lewis. They brought a wide range of products and performed a ‘make over’ on the President, Fran Johnson. It was so good that her husband noticed that something was different on his return from an evening of Morris dancing practice!

A compliment was forthcoming too, so well done those ladies.

Members received goody bags and lots of free samples and advice and the President has been doing her best to keep her make up up to standard!

March saw us up on our feet and dancing with the Jerusalem Jammers, a Garland Dancing group who have their origins in the WI where they were first formed thirty years ago. They are very well known locally and certainly got our feet tapping. As well as dancing we were given information about the origins of garland dancing and about the various dances.

Next month is our Resolutions evening when we will be voting on the NFWI Resolution for this year which is that the government increases investment in training, employment and retention of midwives in England and Wales to ensure services are adequately resourced and able to deliver a high standard of care. This resolution reflects the chronic shortage of midwives and the importance of their role in the care of women and their babies. Our evening will be completed with a Beetle Drive and Faith Supper.

The Knit and Natter Group are busy knitting the ‘Royal Family’ in preparation for the Diamond Jubilee event at the Community Centre. The completed work will be on show, and probably raffled, at the event on Sunday June 3rd and their will also be a stall selling homemade cakes and preserves. Make a note in your diary to come along – the knitting has to be seen to be believed! The Knit and Natter Group thoroughly enjoy their monthly meetings, first Wednesday in the Month at the Bull’s Head and we welcome anyone interested in knitting or crochet, WI membership is not compulsory. We shall be looking for a new charity project after June so if anyone has a charity which needs our services please let us know.

Future meetings look interesting, a florist in July, Notty Hornblower with her vintage fashion show From Vapours to Votes in August, and an Antiques Roadshow in September.

We are going to see Guys and Dolls at Kilworth House and are in the process of planning a trip to London later in the year, something which has become an annual event .

If all this has caught your interest please do come along and meet us. We meet at the Methodist Church, Main St, Markfield on the 3rd Wednesday in the month and meetings commence at 7.45pm. Visitors are always made very welcome.

Fran Johnson

Markfield W.I. Programme Markfield Womens’ Institute has a packed and interesting programme of events lined up for 2012.

See below: 16th May

Resolutions Evening plus Beetle Drive

20th June

Meningitis Trust: Jo Killick

18th July

Flower Arranging demo: Sarah of Quorn

15th Aug

A Period Costume Show - Votes to Vapours - Notty Hornblower

19th Sept

Antiques Roadshow - Richard Plant

17th Oct

AGM & Phoebe Whittington: Trip to Tanzania

21st Oct

Our Birthday Meal

19th Dec

Twelve Days of Christmas: Anne Hughes

When I die, I’m leaving my body to science fiction.

BOB JONES GARAGE_Layout 1 20/04/2012 14:05 Page 1

Bob Jones Garage is a small locally based company.

My name is Craig the new owner, a 33 year old fully qualified technician with over 16 years experience, I was fortunate to work with Bob Jones for over two years.

I want to keep the memory of Bob alive, and the only changes to the garage will be the acquisition of new up to date equipment allowing all the work to be carried out on site.

- Servicing to all makes of vehicle - Diagnostics / Engine Management / ABS / SRS - Welding - Tyres - Electrical Work - Brakes - Shock Absorbers - Exhausts - Batteries - Timing Belts

10% OFF WITH THIS FLYER

58 The Green Markfield Leicester LE67 9WD Tel: 01530 243183 Mob: 07429 568697 E: craig@bobjonesgarage.co.uk

We only use guaranteed quality parts at reasonable prices with reasonable labour costs.

We also offer a FREE local collection & delivery service.

Every once in a while, I like to stick my head out the window and smile for a satellite picture.

10 WEKILLANYPESTS.com for all domestic and garden pests effective efÞcient economical WASPS RATS MICE MOLES just £45.00 for a rapid response 01455828967 07821774273

THE SUITE SUPERSTORE Open Now ay Sund pm 11am

• FOR ALL YOUR FURNITURE NEEDS •

Now Op Sund en ay 11a m-4

4

FABRIC SUITES

INCLUDING RECLINER SUITES

LEATHER SUITES

INCLUDING RECLINER SUITES

pm

BEDS & MATRESSES

INCLUDING THE LATEST MEMORY FOAM

MANUAL, LIFT AND RISE DINING ROOM FURNITURE RECLINER CHAIRS Visit our Large Showroom and see our extensive range of Suites, Beds, Bedroom & Dining Furniture, Manual, Lift and Rise Recliner Chairs and Sofa Beds - all on display

BEDROOM FURNITURE

Dawsons Lane, Common) Barwell, Hinckley.

01455 850391 Dawsons Lane, (off(off TheThe Common) Barwell NearNear Hinckley, LeicsTel: • Tel: 01455 850391 Opening Times: Monday 10am -- 5.00pm 5pm, Sunday - 4pm.

Opening Times: Monday- -Saturday Saturday 10.00am • Closed11am Sunday First time I ever read a dictionary, I thought it was a poem about everything.

11

Thornton Women’s Institute

Next Meeting: Thursday 10th May - 7.30pm at Thornton Community Centre THE RESOLUTIONS MEETING

Have you ever been part of a nationwide campaign?

Do you feel that you have any influence in our country’s affairs?

If the answer is, “No.. never!”, then why not join your voice with those of the members of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes?

WE DON’T JUST SIT AROUND CHATTING AND DRINKING TEA……although, of course, we do some of that! The Women’s Institute Movement in Britain started in 1915. During the First World War it was formed to encourage countrywomen to get involved in growing and preserving food to help to increase the supply of food to the war-torn nation.) Now, nearly a century later, and with 210,000 members, we are the largest voluntary organization for women in the UK and, as such, play an important role in community and national affairs.

At the NFWI Annual General Meeting (AGM) every WI in the UK is represented by link delegates who vote on the resolutions according to the votes taken at WI meetings prior to the AGM. At our meeting on Thursday, 10th May, we have our opportunity to voice our opinions upon this year’s resolution, so that our delegate at the AGM at the Albert Hall will be confident that she truly represents our WI when she votes on our behalf.

The WI campaigns are built, thus, upon the resolutions passed by the members.

In recent years our campaigns have helped to achieve: • £10m funding, announced in June 2010, for research into pollinator health. Thanks to the grant, research will be carried out into bee diseases and the effect of pesticides to help better understand threats to the honeybee population; • Cross party commitment to diversion and liaison schemes - a ‘care not custody’ approach to end the inappropriate detention of people with mental health needs. £5m pilot funding was announced by the Secretaries of State for Health and Justice in March 2011;

Will you see the Olympic Flame go by?

By the time it reaches London, the Olympic Flame will have come within 10 miles of 95% of people in the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey.

It will have given local communities a chance to show what their area has to offer – including celebrations of local culture, breathtaking landscapes and dynamic urban areas.

The Flame will be carried through 1,019 communities in all. For a list of the evening celebration locations and communities by region and date, go to: http://www.london2012. com/games/olympic-torch-relay/ where-is-the-olympic...

Help a poor child in the UK to get a meal • European Parliament commitment to introduce mandatory country of origin labelling on all fresh meat (July 2011); • Government commitment to an integrated strategy for tackling violence against women (published March 2011).

Members voted overwhelmingly in favour of campaigning in support of public libraries at their AGM in June 2011. They pledged their commitment to fight to prevent library closures and to advocate the value library services bring to communities. The campaign lasts for two years.

THIS YEAR’S SHORTLISTED RESOLUTION:Employment of More Midwives There are chronic shortages of midwives. The NFWI calls on the Government to increase investment in the training, employment and retention of midwives in England and Wales to ensure that services are adequately resourced and are able to deliver a high standard of care (Proposed by Horwich WI, Lancashire Federation) Many of us greatly enjoyed the recent TV series, “Meet the Midwife” which was based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth. The story followed twenty-two year old Jenny, who, in 1957, left her comfortable home to become a midwife in London’s East End

slums. As we watched, we noted how many things about our Health Service have changed for the better in the last fifty years.

It is, therefore, alarming to note that, presently, there is a shortage of midwives employed by NHS Trusts, resulting in fragmented, rushed care and extra demands on maternity services. Maternal health services in England and Wales are facing increasing pressure with staff shortages, a continuing baby boom and increasing numbers of complications in pregnancies testing the maternity services’ ability to deliver a high standard of care to women and their children.

It is hoped that by adding the voice of the WI, members can highlight an issue which touches the lives of many women and their families; building public interest and awareness, as well as the allocation of extra funding to employ more NHS midwives and Government commitment to at least maintain current midwifery training levels.

Does this interest you?

WHY NOT COME ALONG TO OUR MEETING? YOU WILL BE MADE VERY WELCOME. The MEMBERS’ COMPETITION is for a PAIR OF EARRINGS. Visitors’ Fee £2.

Muriel Walker

Children’s Society is trying to help 1.2 million extremely poor children in England who aren’t getting free school meals.

These children - who make up half of all school-age children living in poverty - may not be eating a single nutritious meal all day. With your help, the Society wants to change that.

Of these 1.2 million children in poverty, 700,000 are not even eligible for the free school meals scheme - because their parents have some sort of job. A further half a million schoolchildren are entitled to free school meals but they don’t take them, often because they worry about being singled out for teasing and bullying.

A free school meal that can be claimed without embarrassment would make a real difference to the lives of these 1.2 million children. Giving them at least one proper meal a day would make them healthier, enable them to concentrate at school, and ultimately give them the chance to escape the poverty into which they were born.

The Children’s Society is asking: “Please help us make this happen.

Sign our petition now.” Visit: http:// action.childrenssociety.org.uk/fairand-square

If at first you don’t succeed, try again. Then quit. No use being a fool about it.

12

Extracts fromMarkfield Parish Council Minutes The following items were among the topics discussed at the meeting of Markfield Parish Council on Tuesday 3rd April 2012.

The information comes from the unapproved minutes, and therefore may be subject to correction or alteration.

Gas Mains Works in Markfield - Two representatives from AMEC Power & process Europe attended the meeting to discuss the project to replace the remaining metallic gas mains with modern plastic pipes within Markfield.

1) A50, Leicester Road, Bradgate Hill, Ratby Lane; this project would involve extensive traffic management but one side of the carriage way would remain open at all times. This would take approximately 24 weeks from September 2012 to March 2013.

2) Chitterman Way, Mayflower Close; these works would begin on 18th June 2012 – to 17th September 2012 and may involve some traffic management. There would be no more than eight men on site and a supervisor.

3) Oakfield Avenue and Neville Drive; this project would start on 13th July 2012 to coincide with the school holidays to minimise disruption and may involve some traffic management. There would be no more than eight men on site and a supervisor.

The company had already given written notification to those affected by the works.

The company will contact those affected in writing again at least five working days before work commences to give further details, a leaflet and dates their gas supply may be affected.

24hrs before work commences another letter will be hand delivered to residents.

There would also be a company bus in the village on 3rd June 2012 to give advice to concerned residents.

Laminated plans would also be available to view nearer the time.

Normally the gas supply would be interrupted from 8am in the morning until early evening on the same day.

For vulnerable people who can’t manage without their gas supply alternative heating and cooking facilities could be made available by the company.

For further information and guidance please see the leaflet from the National Grid “Important information about a planned temporary interruption to your gas supply”.

On behalf of the Parish Council Mr

Lay thanked Hannah Arnold & Paul Lynch for attending the meeting and also suggested that they should also publicise details in The Herald village magazine. The clerk would provide them with the contact details.

POLICE REPORT: - PC Harlock had sent her apologies and had emailed the following crime figures prior to the meeting: March 2012 Crime Figures: • 2 Thefts from Motor Vehicle, on Ratby Lane and Leicester Road, Diesel and a handbag stolen, persons still leaving belongings in the car!

• No other core crime to report • 2 young males interviewed re various incidents in the village they will be going to court, ie smashed bus shelter. Wooden shelter on Chitterman Way –the clerk was applying to the courts for compensation.

Local Authority Traffic Wardens: - Mr G Payne, Traffic and Safety Manager, LCC had arranged for additional patrols to be undertaken in Markfield commencing 13th February 2012, this included patrolling later in the day than usual. Awaiting update Car Sales on A50 at the Field Head Roundabout –Mr R Kane had suggested the County Council had powers to impose a Prohibition status on streets to control street trading as well as having further legislative powers under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 (Section 3) where considerable financial penalties were possible that could deter a trader far more than a £30 parking ticket.

The County Council had highway powers to serve Notices under sections 137/143 7/149 Highways Act 1980 or a mix of those to require removal of things left in the Highway.

Local History Group – Proposal to erect a War Memorial in Markfield: - Mr Gannon reported the group were looking into erecting a 6ft x 4ft (approximately) plaque with names onto the Chapel wall in the Cemetery.

Mr Lockley suggested that as both grassed verges on either side of the highway of the junction of Neville Drive and Main Street were adopted by the County Highways;

either site could still be an option for the erection of the memorial.

The history group would need to liaise with the County Council.

Faulty Christmas Lights: - The clerk was promised a response from Kevin Foxon by the end of last week but this had not been done The clerk would pursue the installation of a power supply to the middle of The Green.

Euroshell - Bus Shelter Chitterman Way; Rural Bus Shelter Funding: - Mr Daniel Young, Technician, Engineering Design, Leics County Council had responded to the clerk’s request for funding. He had informed her that the County Council was currently in the process of reviewing its policy for public transport provision in Leicestershire. As a consequence of the above they had decided to temporarily suspend the installation of all new bus shelters that were proposed in isolation, including partnership funded shelters.

British Cycling – BMX Race Track – unused land at Jubilee Playing Fields: - Mr B Gibney, Curious Ecologists had informed the clerk that the Ecological survey should be undertaken over the coming season, which starts around April.

Mr Sprason agreed to attend a site meeting with the company and the clerk after Easter.

High Speed Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK): - Mr. Lockley stressed the importance of the survey and urged everyone to complete it so that all businesses could register their future requirements.

Review of public transport provision in Leicestershire: - Mr Sprason stated that after consultation the Scrutiny Committee had recommended that there should be no changes made to the present Bus Services.

PCSO funding cut: - Mr Sprason stated that the County Council would continue to fund PCSOs for the next two years but the new police and crime commissioner would decide how best to allocate resources to tackle local crime.

Mr Lay stated that local policing had worked in Markfield over the last few years and that he was very concerned that any changes to the policy would have a detrimental effect on policing in rural areas

such as Markfield.

Mr Sprason and Mr Lay agreed to meet with the new police commissioner to discuss their concerns.

Planning application for the provision of 4 additional traveller pitches: Whitegate Stables Caravan Park, Copt Oak Road, Copt Oak, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9PJ: Mr Sprason stated that the planning application had been refused.

Crown Crest (Old Timken site) Kirby Muxloe: - Mr Sprason stated that the company had agreed to apply to withdraw the original planning condition imposed upon them for the existing LGV route to run through Markfield to the A50 via Launde Road to the Roundabout at the Coach and Horses.

Miners’ Welfare Institute Planning Appeal: The appeal had been turned down because the proposed dwellings’ proximity to adjacent properties.

Jelson development, Land off London Road, Markfield, -Revised scheme: - Mr Lay stated that plans for the new barn and grain store had now been revised.

The barn had now been re-sited further away from the boundary behind the hedgerow; the landscaping had been improved so that the barn was less visible from the highway.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons: - The clerk had written to Caroline Roffey, Public Space Manager, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, to seek permission as landowner to take part in the national celebrations to light a Beacon at Hill Hole Quarry.

No reply had been received QUESTIONS TO THE CHAIR: Mrs A Cook had received complaints about the large amounts of dog faeces around the village particularly around London Road and towards the school. The Parish council were all in agreement that this was a problem generally around the village despite recent efforts from the Neighbourhood Warden Team.

The members were also concerned about the large amount of litter accumulating in many of the hedgerows throughout the village. The clerk would contact LCC Highways.

I used to think that the whole world was against me. But I’ve found that a few smaller countries are neutral.

13 Look What’s On at the Bagworth Working Men’s Club Tel 01530 230205

The Cellar Bar Blues Band will be playing at the club on Saturday 26th May 2012.

Come and support your local club.

The Cellar Bar Blues Band are a local band, with a varied play list – something for everyone. Come and give it a go – you’re sure to have a good evening. Playing in the large Function Room, free entrance as usual and very reasonably priced drinks.

Also: Andy’s charity Quiz – last Friday of the Month £1.50 each Saturday 30th June 2012: ‘Bagstock’ Charity Event - all money raised will go to MacMillan Nurses.

Two live Bands, Fun Quiz, Raffle from 7pm in the Main Function Room. Entrance £3 Adult, £1 children 5 – 16, Under 5’s Free

Don’t forget to send us your news items for next month!

Kirby Players News

It’s show time again for the Kirby Muxloe Players and this time they are bringing you a dark psychological thriller called ‘The Long Game’ that will keep you guessing till the very end.

Written by our very own award winning writer Julie Wilson (this is the 7th play she has written for the Players, her others included ‘Alligator Crocodile’ and ‘On My Pad’) and directed by 18 year old Jack Bull (‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ and ‘Staff Room’).

The Long Game is a psychological suspense thriller littered with clues to the shattering climax. By the end, you’ll be doubting your own judgment.

‘Lawrence and Marina Tade return from honeymoon after a whirlwind romance and beachside wedding. With Marina’s parents both dead, they settle into her ancestral home, where Lawrence soon becomes man of the house. For everything to be perfect, the love-struck Marina has only to convince her close friends that the much older Lawrence is the man of her dreams. But as the Lawrence she met turns into a man she doesn’t recognise, Marina’s judgment comes into question.

When she succumbs to a mystery illness those closest to her worry not only about her failing health, but ultimately her safety. Could it be only a matter of time before Marina’s dreams of a happily married life are not only shattered, but crushed?

Set over three months, The Long Game is a suspense littered with clues through to the shattering climax. By the end, you’ll be doubting your own judgment.’

The Long Game is on at the Kirby Muxloe Village Hall, Station Road, Kirby Muxloe from 9th – 12th May 2012. £6 per ticket - Ticket Office - 07804 435 235 Curtain up at 7.30pm / free parking / licensed bar

If you’re like me, and I know I am ...

      





  07957 282677    

14

Rainbows encourages Leicestershire residents to make a will for charity Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People has teamed up with solicitors across Leicestershire to encourage people to write or update their will this May. The Law Society says one in three people in the UK die without having made a will, which is more than 10,000 people in the East Midlands each year.

Patricia Brookes, Rainbows Director of Fundraising, said: “We don’t like to think about lives ending, especially not our own or those of loved ones. If we want to ensure those we care about are adequately provided for, a well considered will is vital.

“People often think that having a will drawn up by a solicitor is expensive, but if you visit one taking part in Rainbows Make a Will Month, it will cost you less than £50 for a simple single will or amendments to an existing will.

This offer is only available during May, so it is worth calling soon to make an appointment. We hope that once people have remembered friends and family they will consider leaving a legacy to Rainbows.”

When visiting their chosen solicitor people will have the option of making an immediate donation and/or remembering Rainbows in their will by pledging a set amount or a percentage of their estate. Every donation, large or small, received by Rainbows will help support the children and young people who visit the hospice, as well as their families.

Make a WILL Month Throughout May

2012

Write or Update your WILL for only £40*+VAT Book today and support Rainbows, your local children’s hospice.

Throughout May many East Midlands solicitors will write a new WILL or update your current WILL at a huge discount (see overleaf ).

This offer is made in the hope that you will consider supporting Rainbows with a gift when you make or amend your WILL.

Over

50off%

L

IL your W

www.rainbows.co.uk/wills Registered Charity Number: 1014051

Solicitors taking part in Leicestershire: Garrett-Long Solicitors, Anstey 0116 2364875, kathryn@garrettlongsolicitors.co.uk Josiah Hincks Solicitors, Blaby Office 0116 2643430, ssanghera@josiahhincks.co.uk Josiah Hincks Solicitors, Coalville Office 01530 835041, soswell@josiahhincks.co.uk M & S Solicitors, Heather, Coalville 01530 266000, vwhittington@mslaw.co.uk LDJ Solicitors, Hinckley 01455 637030, andrea.jones@ldjsolicitors.co.uk Straw & Pearce Solicitors, Hinckley 01455 617903, jbrown@strawandpearce.co.uk Quality Solicitors, Andrew Ford, Leicester 0116 2029224, russellford@qualitysolicitors.com

Barlows Solicitors, Leicester 0116 2518295, lbacon@barlowssolicitors.com Josiah Hincks Solicitors, Leicester 0116 2551811, ltow@josiahhincks.co.uk Spearing Waite LLP, Leicester 0116 2624225, lindsey.atterbury@spearingwaite.com Latham & Co Solicitors, Loughborough 01509 238822, kirstenwood@lathamlawyers.co.uk Moss Solicitors, Loughborough 01509 217770, a.mcguinness@moss-solicitors.co.uk Straw & Pearce Solicitors, Loughborough 01509 268931, abraker@strawandpearce.co.uk Latham & Co Solicitors, Melton Mowbray 01664 563012, kirstenwood@lathamlawyers.co.uk

Heaps of advice on composting Heaps of advice will be available to people who want to find out more about composting.

Advertise in the Herald You know it makes sense!

The Herald is delivered to 4,000 local homes and businesses in Markfield, Thornton, Bagworth, Stanton and Field Head 11 Times a Year (no July issue) If You’d Like To Advertise Your Business in The Herald,

Contact Mike on 01530 244069.

(Ad rates are on page 25)

May 6 – 12 is Compost Awareness Week and Leicestershire Waste Partnership, which is made up of the county, district and borough councils, will be holding a series of road shows so people can find out more.

The theme this year is “give back to the earth” and green fingered experts will be on hand to teach people how to do just that and make use of compost at home.

Road shows offering free information will be held on: • Monday, May 7 from 11am to 3pm at Snibston Discovery Museum’s Composting Corner • Tuesday, May 8 from 9am – 1pm at Melton Market • Wednesday, May 9 from 9am – 1pm at Blaby Precinct • Thursday , May 10 from 9am – 1pm at Waitrose, Oadby • Friday, May 11 from 9am – 1pm at Shepshed Market Friday, May 11 from 9am – 2pm at Market Harborough Indoor Market • • Sunday, May 13 from 10am – 4pm at Burbage Common Open Day Guy Jackson, Chairman of Leicestershire Waste Partnership, said: “Anyone who would like to find out a bit more about composting is welcome to come along to one of our roadshows.

“Composting is a great way to not only recycle your garden waste, but also ‘give back to the earth’ by feeding your plants and vegetables.”

The Leicestershire Waste Partnership is currently offering a number of home compost bins at a reduced rate compost bins cost £9 for a 220 litre bin and £10.50 for a 330 litre one.

For more information visit: www.lesswaste.org.uk/composting

I stayed at a really fancy hotel this weekend. The towels were so thick, I could hardly get my suitcase shut.

15 Friends of St. Peter’s at Thornton are pleased to present:

‘A Musical Afternoon in a Country Church’ Featuring an accompanied performance

by Singer Soloist

‘Natalie Nightingale’ To be held at Thornton Church Sunday 13th May at 3.00pm Admission £4.00 - including Refreshments The ‘Friends of St. Peter’s’ is a charity which was originally started in 1995 by two lady parishioners – Kathryn & Shirley – who realised that St. Peter’s Church in Thornton needed some help.

In the past 17 years the charity has achieved a lot but probably the most notable achievement was the connection of a water supply to the church in 2004 to enable kitchen and toilet facilities to be installed at a later date.

After six more years of fund-raising and with a grant from Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council the installation of the toilet and kitchen was completed in 2010.

The next major project for the charity is to fund the installation of a completely new and efficient heating system for St.Peter’s at some time this year. So as you can see, our fund-raising events are producing great results and with the members of the charity, the people who attend our events and the fifteen totally voluntary trustees all doing their bit, we look to the future with great optimism.

If you would like to know more about the charity please get in touch with me on 01530-230372 or email: peter.shaw975@btinternet.com

Peter Shaw

I’m so fat, I was diagnosed with a flesh eating disease and the doctor gave me 13 years to live.

16

Thornton St.Peter’s Church Spot When William Webb Ellis picked up the ball, and ran with it down the playing field at Rugby School, he knew little of the implication of his spontaneous and impulsive action.

Years later, thousands of young men, and some women, are regularly to be seen chasing down the playing fields and village greens of England in pursuit of this oddly shaped ball, and thousands more enthusiastically support them in the more passive role of a spectator.

If you are wondering why I am re-telling this tale, it is because one such enthusiast of the game is the contractor who undertook to fell our Beech trees.but who suffered a broken wrist whilst playing the game two days before he was due to come to us.

Consequently my last report to you about our plans for St Peter’s was completely erroneous and I apologise for that - circumstances beyond my control! However, time moves on and the trees are due to be felled by another contractor soon. ( I am told incidentally that the trees were planted by the church altar boys - it would be nice to have evidence of that, together with the date.)

The Easter service at St Peter’s, taken by Rev P Evans, was a splendid occasion and the church was decorated as beautifully as ever. Easter lilies, donated by people in memory of loved ones, adorned the altar and daffodils, with other spring flowers were in abundance. Our thanks are due to all who helped in any way to mark the occasion.

The ‘Friends’ fundraising programme goes on apace - the latest event which raised £410 was the Hoe Down and Barn Dance, organised by Eric Roberts at Bagworth WMC and which attracted some 80 people. (It is reported that one well known couple participated enthusiastically, despite their Congregational Church Hall advancing years, in every dance - although it was also noticed that they were absent from morning the following day!) pm fromservice 11.00 am - 1.30 Plans for the installation of the air2air heating system are progressing well and for which we have been greatly encouraged by the promise of a substantial grant from the Diocese. More news as it becomes available.

St Michael’s Church May Event

Ploughman’s Lunch

with Raffle, Tombola and Plant Stall

Saturday 12th May

Martin Foster Churchwarden

Churches Together in Markfield

6-7pm Wednesdays 23rd May & 27th June at Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield

Contact Karen (249829) or Rosemary (242844)

Herald Film Review From Tom Flowitt

Avengers Assemble (12A) Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo and Samuel L. Jackson 142 Minutes

If you have ever watched a superhero movie and thought that what it really needs is the addition of another five heroes, then this is the film for you.

The Avengers, made up of Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk, Hawkeye and Black Widow, fight the foes that no single superhero can withstand.

The film seems to labour at the beginning but once it gets up to speed it never lets up. The action is exhilarating with a never ending array of incredible set pieces.

The different abilities of each character offer multiple dimensions to the action to ensure it never becomes boring and predictable.

Buried deep, deep, deep beneath the action there is a story, which unfortunately is instantly forgettable. Normally this would be a disaster but there is just enough there to keep the film rolling. There is also plenty of humour throughout that helps to break up all the action.

With so many main characters on display the hardest thing to achieve is to give each enough screen time. Often we see this go badly wrong as writers count up the lines for each character to ensure they all have an equal amount. There’s none of that here though as no character speaks unless it is right for them to do so, ensuring that it is the film that benefits rather than any individual character.

In fact the cast of characters are perfectly balanced and fit together seamlessly. Whether its Tony Stark’s wit or the Hulk’s brute strength, each brings something unique to the table, which when put together becomes more than the sum of its parts. Much more in fact.

Despite the abundance of stars, Robert Downey Jr steps forward to steal the show. He can overwhelm the rest at times but thankfully not often.

Everyone here is given their part to play and each does it well.

Overall: The best superhero movie for a long time but with The Dark Knight Rises and The Amazing Spiderman on the horizon, it will have a battle on its hands to be the best of superhero movie of 2012.

HHHHI

ELECTRICIAN A one-stop professional & reliable service ♦Fixed Wiring Testing ♦Landlord Certification ♦Expert Fault Finding Saturday 9th June - 9am to♦1pm Fuse Board Upgrades Copt Oak Memorial Hall Field – LE67 9QB next to Copt♦Extra OakSockets Pub & Lights ♦Electric Heating

CAR BOOT SALE

♦Complete Rewiring (with minimal disruption)

♦Cottage Specialists ♦Electrics Showers (Inc. Plumbing) ♦Security (Alarms, CCTV, Lights) ♦Free No Obligation Quotes

STALLS set up 8am ~ CARS £5 ~ ALL OTHER VEHICLES £7 PUBLIC admission 9am ~ Entrance 50p ~ children free Control Electrics (Leics.) Ltd Booking advisable @ 0116 2674 746 Call: 0116 268 2910 Ample free parking - Refreshments available Cropston Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7BR Proceeds in aid of St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak I’m busy now. Can I ignore you some other time?

17

Transport proposals to be considered Proposed changes to home to school transport and concessionary travel in the county are to be considered.

Leicestershire County Council is proposing to save more than £1.3m per year by making changes to the way home to school transport and the discretionary elements of concessionary travel are funded.

Consultations have been carried out, and now the council’s Cabinet will consider the recommendations that have been made.

These include: • Removing the discretionary elements of concessionary travel • Continuing to provide 16+ home-to-school transport at an annual cost to users of £430 (no charge for families on low income) • Continuing to provide and subsidise denominational home-to-school transport, at an annual cost to users of £320 (no charge for families on low income) for the 2012/13 academic year, and then phasing out this transport from 2013/14 onwards.

• Agreeing a new home to school / college transport policy covering home to school transport to academy schools from September 2014 Lesley Pendleton, County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: In the past we have been able to be generous and subsidise the discretionary elements of concessionary travel above and beyond the national requirements, as well as help fund discretionary home to school transport for 16+ and denominational pupils.

However, due to the increased budget pressures we have been facing, we are having to make some tough decisions and review what discretions we are able to offer.”

Cabinet will consider the proposals at its meeting on Tuesday, May 8.

Beautiful large

BEER GARDEN

with PLAY AREA The Bricklayer’s & Walkway to Arms Reservoir 213 Main Street, Thornton Tel: 01530 230808 www.bricklayersarms.net

Wednesday is

“STEAK NIGHT” 2 Steaks, With Hand-Cut Chips, Peas, Tomato, Mushrooms & Two Glasses of House Wine - £18.95

Traditional Sunday Lunch 2 Courses - £9.00 or 3 Courses - £11.00 With personal service to your table

Home-Made Pie Night - Tuesdays - £5.95 Lunches & Snacks: Tues-Sun Eves (Tues-Sat): ‘A La Carte’ or Snacks • Weekend Specials A Welcoming Homely Atmosphere, Garden & Great Food!

A Celebration for Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Theme: Loyalty, Service and Dedication Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3rd & Monday 4th June 2012

10.30—4pm

St Peter’s Copt Oak, St James Oaks in Charnwood & Mount St Bernard’s Abbey

Programmes: £2 (available at any venue) Refreshmenta available

How could I have been doing 70 miles an hour when I’ve only been driving for 10 minutes?

18

Matthew Hoggard Is A Rainbows Hospice Superhero Matthew Hoggard is already a cricketing hero and now he’s becoming a hero for Rainbows Hospice too.

As well as officially starting the annual Rainbows Walk of Life on Sunday 27 May, the Leicestershire County Cricket Club captain is also becoming a patron of the charity.

The annual Rainbows Walk of Life is taking place as part of Children’s Hospice Week, when walkers can cover a heroic 15 miles or a more sedate five around Leicester, starting at the Grace Road ground. The theme is superheroes, so walkers are invited to come along dressed as their favourite.

It is optional though if secret identities need to be maintained.

Speaking about the event while visiting the hospice Matthew said: “My management team at Champions does a lot of work with Rainbows and they told me about the hospice. My wife and I are lucky that our son is healthy, but some parents sadly have to face the fact that their child won’t live the full life they’d hoped for them. Rainbows is there for those children, their parents, siblings and other family members.

“Anything any of us can do to help this incredible cause is worthwhile, so please join me on Sunday May 27 at the Walk of Life.”

Matthew Hoggard MBE is one of the most successful international cricketers to have played for England. He currently plays for and captains, Leicestershire County Cricket Club where, after leaving his home county of Yorkshire at

June 13th ~ Mike Bull A talk about the Little Theatre Aug 8th Skittles ~ 7.15 for 7.30pm At Little Markfield Farm Sep 12th Thomas Coxon Feng Shui & Chinese Horoscopes Oct 10th ~ Fiona Ure Everything stops for tea Nov 14th ~ Food Link

New patron Matthew Hoggard with young people and staff at Rainbows the end of the 2009 season, he has had a successful period. He was a vital member of the inspirational England side that won the epic 2005 Ashes series and has been a model of consistency throughout his test and one day international career, representing his country on 93 occasions.

A consistent bowler and a natural leader in the England team, Matthew’s international career was surprisingly ended, somewhat prematurely, in March of 2008.

Then, after being released by Yorkshire at the end of the 2009 season, Matthew was immediately announced as the new captain for Leicestershire County Cricket.

He took his 700th first-class wicket during the 2010 campaign and continues to be an asset on the field as an opening bowler, and

off the field as a mentor to the teams’ younger professionals. A true leader, Matthew captained Leicester County Cricket Club to their third T20 win in August 2011, after the most dramatic finals day in Twenty20 history.

With his customary energy and enthusiasm, Matthew is committed to making his career off the cricket field as long and successful as his career on the field.

If you’re inspired by Hoggy’s exploits and want to help Rainbows provide much needed support to life-limited children and their families in the East Midlands then sign up now by visiting www. rainbows.co.uk/walkoflife or calling 0800 952 1133 and get that Spiderman suit off to the dry cleaners!

Concerns about the impact of funding reforms on Leicestershire schools are set to be raised with the government.

Following the sell-out success of last year’s event, the concert at Markfield Community Centre in June will raise funds for Christian Aid. Tickets (adults £6 and children £3) are available from representatives of all Markfield churches and the Community Centre (tel. 01530 242240).

Markfield HomeMakers meet in the Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield, on the second Wednesday of the month at 8pm.

Call: Brenda on 01530 242173 or Iris on 01530 242436 May 9th ~ Rob Bostock Life of a Vet

Advance School funding reform Notice of concerns voiced fundraising event Churches Together In Markfield once again present Ratby Mid Band in concert at Markfield Community Centre on Saturday, 16th June at 7.30 pm.

Markfield HomeMakers Programme for 2012

Leicestershire County Council’s feedback is due to be sent in response to a Department for Education (DfE) consultation on bringing in a fairer funding system.

Under the current set-up, small schools receive top-up money to pay for extra costs and help them meet class size restrictions but this would be removed.

The plans include protection for schools to ease the financial implications of the changes.

Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for the children and young people’s service, said: “The reform is designed to achieve fairer funding for local authorities and their pupils across the country but the proposals we have seen do not meet that goal.

“The potential impact on small rural primaries is not unique to Leicestershire but is one of particular concern as many of these schools rely on the protection which will be taken away.

“Leicestershire remains the lowest funded education authority in the country and we hope the government will listen to our views and ensure a fair deal is received by all.”

The council’s cabinet will discuss the proposed consultation response at a meeting on 8th May.

Dec 12th ~ Christmas Party Jan 9th ~ Dinner

Parishes Jubilee celebrations highlighted on new website A new website, launched this Spring, offers Church of England churches the opportunity to highlight the wide range of community and parish events being organised for the Queen’s Jubilee. www.jubileenearyou.com/ showcases the diversity of events planned for the Diamond Jubilee weekend, at the beginning of June.

Parishes throughout England will either be running their own events or supporting other community events including the Big Lunch celebrations.

The extended Jubilee holiday culminates with the National Service of Thanksgiving to Celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee at St Paul’s Cathedral on the morning of Tuesday 5th June. The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, and members of the royal family, will attend.

Good Samaritan A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan.

She asked the class, “If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?”

A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, “I think I’d throw up..”

After hearing two eyewitness accounts of the same accident, you begin to wonder about history.

19

Andy’s charity quiz – last Friday of the month £1.50 each Sequence Dance - Sunday nights 8pm £1 admission.

Tea Dance - Wednesday 2-4 pm £1 admission Friday 11th May: Charity Dance - £2.50 admission Saturday 19th May: WMC Dance - £1 admission For further details, tel: 01530 230205

The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Garden & Pub Games etc.

Sat 12th May: SHINING STARS - 6 artistes paying tribute to stars, from Michael Buble to Amy Winehouse.

Tuesday 5th June: Diamond Jubilee BBQ & Garden Party with music supplied by Trackers Track - 2pm start - Free Entry The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield.

T: 01530 242 496 ALL SKY SPORTS & ESPN The Bricklayers Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite: Thursdays See ad page 17 www.bricklayersarms.net The Club, Thornton Main Street.

T: 01530 230251 Open to Non-Members Sat 5th May: To Be Confirmed Sat 12th May: “Trojan Scooters” Sat 19th May: To Be Confirmed Sat 26th May: Local Punk Band First Time At The Club “Punk And Disorderly” Sat 2nd June: “The Ace Men” “There’s A Moose Loose Aboot This Hoose” Sat 9th June: Return of “Lennerd Skinnerd” - Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band Sat 16th June: “The Dirty Water“ Band Sat 23rd June: “The Rhythm Riders” Soul Band Formerly Souled Out Sat 30th June: “The Freeze” We Also Have Bingo Every Tuesday Evening All Welcome ALL SKY SPORTS AND ESPN www.myspace.com/thorntonclub Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth.

Tel. 01530 230205 New members Welcome 2012 membership now due.

Live entertainment – last Saturday of the month

The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Tribute Nights/£2 Entry after 7pm.

Fri 4th May: ROBBIE WILLIAMS Fri 18th May: To be confirmed Fri 1st June: QUEEN & FREDDIES NIGHT OF PURE MAGIC QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE WEEKEND - see advert on page 26 Quiz Nite: 2nd Tues of Month The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sats 5th May, 19th May, 26th May with ’King of the Road’ Tues 5th June - Family Garden Day for Queen’s Diamond Jubilee - See Ad Page 19 ) Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk Fri 18th May: Electrax Sat 19th May: Natalie Nightingale Sun 20th May: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 25th May: The Rapids Sat 26th May: Soul Providers Sun 27th May: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 1st June: Steve Howe Sat 2nd June: Broken Toys Sunday 3rd June: Super Sunday ‘50’ Mon 4th June: Diamond Jubilee Celebration With Cats Eyes Male Female Duo Fri 8th June: Carl Stevens Sat 9th June: Grace Gazey Sun 9th June: Super Sunday ‘50’

Help stamp out and eradicate superfluous redundancy.

20

Cross Hills Baptist Church Serving the villages of Thornton & Bagworth plus the surrounding area

Local schools and Easter This year we were able to send to the schoolchildren at Thornton and Dovebank an Easter gift from Cross Hills church of an Activity booklet with pictures to colour, dot to dots and other things to do, St stories Michael’s Church based on Bible and Easter Holy Week. We hope the children May Event enjoyed the books, especially as the bad weather during their Easter holidays was not good for outdoor activities!

to visit us this year! They may even have Goldilocks with them! Light lunches will be available in the hall and there will be a colouring competition for the children. Come and join in with the fun!

Tots Group

The Tots sessions are from 1.30pm to 3pm on Thursday afternoons during school term time in our fully carpeted hall at Cross Hills.

With lots of play equipment and activities, anyone is welcome to come along with their tots whether they are mums, dads, grandparents with Raffle, Tombola Spring Fayre or carers. A donation of just £1 and Stall Our Spring Fayre thisPlant year will be is requested per family which on SaturdaySaturday 26th May at 12th Bagworth May includes tea, coffee or squash. Just Community Centre from 10am to turn up or for more information Congregational Hall 1pm. There will be cakes toChurch buy, contact Bekki on 01530 231901 or from - 1.30 pm at r.holmes.314@btinternet.com games for you to 11.00 enjoy, aam tombola, raffle, nearly new, books and lots You will find the times of all of our of other stalls. Or, just come and services in the special Local Church relax and sit with friends and enjoy Service Information section in this the refreshments that are available, magazine. all excellent value for money.

If you need help or advice from Entrance is free so we hope you Churches Together in Markfield our Pastor or Parish Nurse with can come along. something6-7pm that may be troubling rd you, please th get in touch with them Bear Hunt at Manor Wednesdays 23 May & 27 June on their numbers below.

Wood at Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield Contact Numbers This very popular event is on

Ploughman’s Lunch

Pastor - Garry Kelly: 07816 616189 Friday 8th June from 10am to Secretary - Lynda Kelly: 07910 440243 3pm in Manor Wood behind Cross Treasurer - Glynis Straw: 01530 230272 Hills church. Come and have fun Contact Karen (249829) or Rosemary (242844) Parish Nurse - Vera Harding: 01530 230557 searching for the bears in the wood – they could be hiding anywhere Glynis Straw – high up or low down, they Treasurer - on behalf of the Cross could be camping or playing, all Hills Church family depending on which bears come

CAR BOOT SALE

Saturday 9th June - 9am to 1pm Copt Oak Memorial Hall Field – LE67 9QB next to Copt Oak Pub STALLS set up 8am ~ CARS £5 ~ ALL OTHER VEHICLES £7 PUBLIC admission 9am ~ Entrance 50p ~ children free Booking advisable @ 0116 2674 746 Ample free parking - Refreshments available Proceeds in aid of St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak

In my next life, I’m going to have more memory installed.

21

Music for summer in Argents Mead LOCAL indie band The Shreds will launch an exciting season of music in the bandstand at Hinckley’s Argents Mead this summer.

Dove Bank OFSTED Assessment Since September 2009, Ofsted (the Government Body that inspects schools) has varied the regularity of a school’s inspections depending on the school’s previous inspection outcome and, if the school was judged to be good or outstanding, an annual risk assessment.

A recent ‘risk assessment’ has been carried out at Dove Bank Primary School in Nailstone which considered : • Pupils’ attainment, including the attainment of significant groups of pupils with a focus on disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs.

• Pupils’ progress.

• Pupils’ attendance.

• The results of any other inspections.

Ofsted informed the school that their interim assessment indicated that performance has been sustained and that the next inspection can be deferred.

Bob Owen (Headteacher), has said that this assessment is an endorsement of the hard work of the staff and children plus the support of the parents at the school.

Anyone wishing to visit the school can contact them on : Tel: 01530 262371 E-mail : headteacher@dovebank.leics.sch.uk

There will be something for everyone, from rock, pop and indie to jazz, folk, rhythm and blues and music from the shows. July is Summer Festival month, with a performance every Saturday of the month.

Ian Daniels, Chair of the Town Centre Partnership, said: “I’m pleased to see such a great range of music again this summer. It should attract even more people into the town and local charities will have the chance to benefit too”.

All the performances are from 1pm to 3pm and are free of charge.

Refreshments will be available, kindly provided by local charitable organisations.

12 May: A performance by five piece indie band, The Shreds. One of Hinckley’s most successful bands, they recently released their third album, Still Human.

26 May: A performance by Living Mystery, a pop rock quartet from Hinckley and Barwell. The band have recently reformed with a new drummer and are currently working on new material. Influences include McFly, Busted, GreenDay, Paramore and loads more.

9 June: “Tanky” Smith and the Masters of Disguise, featuring Roger Wilson and Steve Cartwright. A country-folk performance of Appalachian honky tonk, featuring Leicester-based fiddler Roger Wilson.

23 June: A performance by Covernote, a Leicester-based 10 piece band.

Featuring two female vocalists and a brass section, the band play a variety of music from Elvis to Amy Winehouse, Paolo Nutini to the Blues Brothers.

7 July: A performance by 60s beat group Zephyr 5. Classics by the Searchers, Beatles, Kinks, Hollies and many more. The “Beat Group” era in the 1960s was one of the most influential times in British pop music and this is a tribute to that magical time.

14 July: A performance by young, Hinckley-based three piece rock/indiepop band Before the Impact. The band debuted in the Mead in 2011. A range of popular and original numbers.

21 July: A performance by Little Boy Blue, a five piece rhythm and blues band, returning to the Mead by popular demand.

28 July: An afternoon of songs from the shows, performed by Debbie Phillips. Over the past 14 years, Debbie has starred in shows such as Pirates of Penzance, The Johnny Cash Story and Beauty and the Beast at the Concordia Theatre, as well as twice winning the Lilian Dunkley Memorial Bursary.

4 August: A performance of melodic jazz and swing by Citizens of Swing, a seven piece Leicester-based jazz band. The band specialise in the great jazz repertoire of the swing period, giving many forgotten tunes a modern touch.

18 August: A performance by Guilty Pleasures, a six piece classic rock band dedicated to playing the finest in quality classic rock, rock & roll, blues, soul and party sounds.

For more information contact Paula Padmore on 01455 255856 or visit the council’s website.

Didn’t quite get it together...

A young man called his mother and announced excitedly that he had just met the woman of his dreams! Now what should he do? His mother advised: “Send her flowers, and on the card invite her to your place for a home-cooked meal!” So that’s what he did. His mother called the day after the big date to see how things had gone. Her son was desolate, and said that the evening had been a disaster. “Why, didn’t she come over?” asked his mother.

“Oh, she came over, okay, but then she refused to cook...”

Money can’t buy love. But it CAN rent a very close imitation.

22

County Councillor’s Report from David Sprason Academy Schools Update Leicestershire County Council has assisted or is assisting 92 schools in converting to academy status.

I promised in a previous report to update you on which local schools that affect our local area have converted to academy status.

These schools are; • The Martin High School, Anstey • Stafford Leys Primary School, LFE • Market Bosworth High School • De Lisle RC College, Loughborough • Ibstock Community College • Castle Rock High School, Coalville • King Edward VII, Coalville • Forest Way Special School, Coalville • Bosworth Community College, Desford • Brookvale High School, Groby • Groby College • Lady Jane Grey Primary School, Groby • Ratby Primary School I remind you that once a school has become an academy it is independent from the local authority. Each school will have its own academy trust, which receives funding from, and is directly accountable to, the Department for Education. Once a school becomes an academy, if the academy trust wants to change the age range of the school or college, the trust would be required to apply directly to the Department for Education and not the local authority. The Education Funding Agency will make the final decision on whether to change an academy’s agerange the local authority will be consulted.

Studio Schools are a new type of school making provision for 14-19 year olds in academic and vocational qualifications. There is an existing Studio School attached to Stephenson College, Coalville and a new 150 place Studio School is due to open in September in Hinckley by the North Warwickshire & Hinckley College.

Cup Final Washed Out The biggest winner in April was the weather as the Williams Davis Trophy Final was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Leicestershire Big Society Grants Seventy community-led schemes across Leicestershire have scooped £340,000 from the county council’s Big Society fund. Last year, the council launched the fund to enable people to take key decisions over their lives to run local services, to develop community facilities and encourage others to take part in their community.

This is part of the Governments Big Society programme. 70 projects have been approved in total for the 2011-12 financial year (total funding allocated = £358,776). Locally two projects have been successful; I am delighted to have supported these bids and that Leicestershire County Council has made a contribution of £6,450 towards the costs of the feasibility study for the new sports pavilion at Bagworth Old Colliery Sports Ground. I can also confirm that Leicestershire County Council has made a contribution of £3,000 funding agreed for the Markfield Community and Sports Centre to purchase three BMX bikes, three scooters and three sets of safety equipment, in order to help to establish a new sports club – specifically aimed at young BMX and Scooter riders.

Leicestershire County Council Big Society Grant team are now encouraging community projects to apply for the £340,000 fund for the 2012-13 financial year.

Rangers News

With options there is real choice - ChooseMySupport.org.uk I’ve got choice and control over the services I get, but where can I go. If you need social care support, you have the freedom to choose the services that will enable you to live your life the way you want to.

There are lots of local services to choose from. ChooseMySupport. org.uk is a website operated by Leicestershire County Council that helps you to look at all the options, and find the services that can best meet your needs.

Through ChooseMySupport you can search for local services to meet your individual needs, ask for quotes from different providers, talk directly to suppliers to arrange your support, buy products to assist you to live independently and leave feedback to help others to choose.

Everyone can use this website this includes those with a personal budget from the Council or anyone else who would like to find services. You can look for support for yourself or for someone else.

On a brighter note the Markfield Rangers 1st Team have moved within one win of promotion from Division 2.

A 3-0 victory away to promotion chasing Loughborough Saints Reserves was a great start to the month which ended with a 9-0 demolition of Mountsorrel Imps.

The Mountsorrel victory was even more pleasing after a number of disappointing results against them in recent seasons.

The Reserves had only the one game in April, a 2-0 home victory against Ashby Rovers Reserves.

The Reserves now look set for a respectable mid-table finish in their first season since their revival, with one game left to play.

Tom Flowitt

Beware of this addiction!

What is more addictive than cigarettes? Harder to resist than alcohol?

You guessed it: Twitter and Facebook. It seems that resisting the urge to check social networking sites can be one of the hardest things we do, according to a recent study at the University of Chicago Business School.

So Wrong It’s Right Launching weekly on BBC Radio 4 from 16th May, 6:30pm Presented by Charlie Brooker, So Wrong It’s Right is a competitive game of failure where coming up with the wrong answer is the right thing to do. The six part run is due to broadcast from the 16th May at 6.30pm on BBC Radio 4.

Over a series of rounds, Charlie asks three comedian guests a number of questions to rummage through their pasts and test their creativity.

So Wrong It’s Right celebrates the pungent taste of disappointment by turning embarrassing mistakes into perverse triumphs.

Panellists must come up with the most erroneous answers, with Charlie awarding points to the wrongest response. Charlie decides which answer is so wrong, it’s right. Guests for this series include: Lee Mack, Susan Calman, Holly Walsh, Barry Cryer, Dan Maier, Isy Suttie, Graham Linehan, Helen Zaltman and Matthew Crosby.

From the worst thing that happened at school, the most terrible incident they were involved in at a party or the most appalling idea for a series of children’s books - the panellists must do their best to out wrong each other.

The trouble with doing something right first time is that nobody appreciates how difficult it was.

23

10 year guarantee

ESTABLISHED 1964

Tel: 01162 295 913 • 07979 594 169 • 01162 879 226 Landscaping Driveways & Patios Fencing & Decking Garden Walls & Features Ponds & Water Features

“No job too

Landscape Design Planting

big”

“No job too

www.grobylandscapes.com

small”

info@grobylandscapes.com

28 FAIREFIELD CRESENT • GLENFIELD • LEICESTER • LE3 8EH

KEITH SMITH (ANSTEY) LTD 6 STADON ROAD ANSTEY LE7 7AY - SALES RENTAL & SERVICE

TEL: 0116 2362395 - sales@keithsmithltd.co.uk

FAST FREE LOCAL DELIVERY HOTPOINT

BEKO

WML540P

DVTC60W Tumble Dryer Freshen Up 6kg Load Capacity Anti-crease C Rated WAS £199.99 Save £40

NOW £159.99

HOTPOINT WML520P Washing Machine 1200rpm Spin Speed 6Kg Load Capacity Mini Load 30’ Fast Wash AAB Rated WAS £329.99 Save £40

NOW £289.99

Washing Machine 1400rpm Spin Speed 6kg Load Capacity AAB Rated Mini Load 30’ Fast Wash WAS £369.99 Save £50

NOW £319.99

HOOVER OPHS712DF Washing Machine 1200rpm Spin Speed 7Kg Load Capacity 29min Quick Wash 14 Progs A+AB Rated WAS £349.99 Save £80

NOW £269.99

ZANUSSI

HOTPOINT

ZDC37200W

DHS53CX

Condenser Dryer Delicate Prog 7kg Load Capacity Anti-crease C Rated

Built-in Double Oven Stainless Steel Catalytic Liners Fan Assisted Twin Grill

AA Rated WAS £269.99 Save £30

NOW £239.99

Fitted Kitchens We are pleased to announce that we are now agents for A.W.E Kitchens and Bedrooms Who specialise in Bespoke made to measure kitchen & bedroom furniture Please call in for further details

Free Installation

WAS £549.99 Save £50

NOW £499.99 ANSTEY

(worth £29.99)*

Free Removal of Old Machine (worth £14.00)**

Free Removal of Packaging

*To Existing Fittings. **Excludes Refrigeration

HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ CREDA ~ WHIRLPOOL ~ ZANUSSI ~ INDESIT ~ BELLING ~ HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ ELECTROLUX

HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ CREDA ~ WHIRLPOOL ~ ZANUSSI ~ INDESIT ~ BELLING ~ HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ ELECTROLUX ~

WASHING MACHINES ~ FRIDGE FREEZERS ~ FAST FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ~ TUMBLE DRYERS ~ COOKERS ~ OVENS ~

WASHING MACHINES ~ FRIDGE FREEZERS ~ FAST FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ~ TUMBLE DRYERS ~ COOKERS ~ OVENS ~

Deja Fu: The feeling that somehow, somewhere, you’ve been kicked in the head like this before.

24 Community Forums

Want a share of £12,500 for B DPNNVOJUZ QSPKFDU JO UIF Markfield, Ratby, Groby, #BHXPSUI 5IPSOUPO BSFB 5IJT JT ZPVS WPJDF ZPVS DIPJDF :PV DBO QBSUJDJQBUF UISPVHIPVU UIF QSPDFTT for funding for your community project t Apply 1VU B GVOEJOH QSPQPTBM VQ UP b GPSXBSE CZ SE .BZ GPS B DPNNVOJUZ QSPKFDU UIBU XJMM CFOFmU UIF MPDBM BSFB and comment on projects in the local area t View 'SPN UI .BZ ZPV DBO TFF XIBU QSPKFDUT IBWF CFFO QVU GPSXBSE GPS ZPVS MPDBM 'PSVN BSFB BOE QSPWJEF DPNNFOUT BOE TVHHFTUJPOT for your favourite projects t Vote #PPL ZPVS QMBDF BU UIF $PNNVOJUZ 'PSVN #VEHFU %FDJTJPO /JHIU PO UI +VOF QN UP EJTDVTT QSPKFDUT BOE WPUF GPS ZPVS GBWPVSJUFT #PPLJOH TUBSUT PO UI .BZ -JNJUFE TQBDFT BWBJMBCMF

K1215

To find out more please visit www.leicestershireforums.org, call 0116 305 7034, or email leicestershireforums@leics.gov.uk.

They are all life-savers.

Are you?

Markfield Community & Sports Centre, Mayflower Close Wednesday 9th May 2012 13.00-15.30 & 17.00-20.00 Save a life – give blood Visit blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23

give blood

Duct tape is like the Force: It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together...

25

The Connection Between Violence Toward Animals and People

By Aysha Akhtar Inter-personal violence, including child, elderly and spousal abuse and school bullying, is now recognized as one of the most pressing public health issues we face globally.

According to the World Health Organization, up to 69% of women report physical abuse by an intimate partner at least once in their lifetime.

Worldwide, approximately 40 million children are subjected to abuse each year.

Animals are also frequently victims of inter-personal violence. In fact abuse of animals is one of the most reliable indicators of domestic violence and abuse of children. Companion animals are increasingly viewed as family members with inherent worth. Harm to them can cause tremendous grief and anxiety in their loved ones. Unfortunately, the status of family member renders companion animals vulnerable to abuse, often as a means to exert control and intimidation over other humans. For example, an abusive father may hurt the family dog in order to scare his spouse or children into submission.

Battered women often refuse to escape their abusive situations because they worry about the repercussions to their companion animals if they left. Among women with companion animals, a threat of harm against companion animals is actually one of the most common reasons for women to delay seeking shelter from partner violence, particularly because most women’s shelters do not allow animals.

It is unclear if abusing animals predisposes individuals to hurt other people. What is evident, however, is that cruelty to animals is associated with general indifference toward the suffering of others, humans and nonhumans alike. Unfortunately, cruelty toward animals is often regarded as isolated incidents and given low priority as a societal issue of concern. As long as society turns a blind eye toward animal abuse, we will continue to foster an environment that perpetuates all forms of violence.

Violence against animals raises important questions about the nature of empathy and kindness and the type of society that we wish to live in.

As advocates for a better, healthier society, it behoves us to protect all, particularly the most vulnerable, who are victims of abuse.

Aysha Akhtar, MD, MPH is a neurologist and public health specialist, a Fellow of The Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, and works for the Office of Counterterrorism and Emerging Threats of the US Food and Drug Administration. She is the author of the new book, Animals and Public Health: Why treating animals better is critical to human welfare.

The Palgrave Macmillan Animal Ethics Series, £52.25 .

The opinions expressed here are solely hers.

Poor teapot!

The teapot is in mortal danger.

In the last five years demand for teapots has halved, and demand for mugs has trebled. We still love our tea – we drink 165 million cups of the stuff every day – but it seems that these days more and more of us are making our tea in the vessel we drink it from.

LRPT Community Payback

Unpaid reparation work that benefits local communities valued at £1m Leicestershire and Rutland Probation Trust has announced that the recent 12 month figures for Community Payback reveals that 169,595 hours of work have been completed - valued at more than £1,031,137.

Community Payback describes the sentence imposed by the courts which stipulates that the offender must complete a specified amount of unpaid reparation work that benefits individual organisations and local communities.

Community Payback Manager Pam Barber explained that Community Payback enables offenders to make reparation for their crimes, but by using the set minimum wage payment of £6.08, it was also possible to show its potential fiscal value.

“We only undertake programmes of work for charities, schools, churches, and other faith groups. This work wouldn’t get done if Community Payback was not available,” said Pam Barber. “Our figures show that we completed 125 projects. The supervised teams of men and women undertook 11,495 hours in schools and colleges and the scouts, guides and sea cadets benefitted from 2,549 hours of unpaid work.”

The range of work includes ground maintenance and clearance, environmental projects, painting and decorating, minor building repairs, graffiti removal and clearing rubbish and litter.

Supervised teams undertake work in the city of Leicester and in the surrounding counties of Leicestershire and Rutland. LRPT also works in partnership with Leicester City Council and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to provide teams of supervised offenders to work in designated neighbourhoods.

She added: “The proportion of offenders successfully completing their ordered hours has been increasing and is just short of 80%, with service users taking on average 18% less time to finish. LRPT’s Community Payback completion target in 2011 was specified as 76.7%, which we have surpassed.”

NEW INNOVATIONS • A new induction process enables offenders sentenced to an unpaid work requirement to begin work within two days of sentencing.

• Offenders are now completing their ordered hours at a faster rate.

• Unemployed men and women are expected to undertake their reparation work for three to four days a week. LRPT is also running evening workshops as well as weekend sessions to enable employed offenders to also complete their order more quickly.

• Closer working ties with local area police officers in high crime areas has enabled LRPT to undertake Community Payback projects to combat the effects of anti-social behaviour.

“Police officers in the high crime neighbourhoods are often able to bridge the gap with hard to reach communities by bringing referrals directly from residents concerning suggested areas of work. We can respond quickly - the focus is about being reactive to local community needs,” commented Pam Barber.

Herald Advertising Rates Ring 01530 244069 to book your advert or email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk Advert Size

Dimensions

Colour

B/W

Sixteenth Page 45mm wide x 65mm high

£20.00+VAT

£13.50+VAT

Eighth Page

95mm wide x 65mm high

£40.00+VAT

£27.00+VAT

Quarter Page

95mm wide x 132mm high

£65.00+VAT

£45.00+VAT

Half Page

194mm wide x 132mm high

£120.00+VAT

£80.00+VAT

Full Page (A4)

194mm wide x 268mm high

£190.00+VAT

£140.00+VAT

Police were called to a local nursery today where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

26

Extracts from Stanton under Bardon Parish Council Minutes The following topics were among the items discussed at the meeting of Stanton-under-Bardon Parish Council, held on Tuesday 3rd April 2012 at The Youth Club, Stanton under Bardon.

Please note that this information is based upon the unapproved minutes, and may be subject to alteration or correction.

• COMMUNITY POLICE COMMENTS No crime to report. Pc Harlock had been to visit the school and spent the morning with the Children, a police vehicle was there and a very successful morning was had by all. Parking outside the school is also being monitored.

• Information request A letter was received from a parishioner requesting information with regard to the vote that took place for the Housing development preferred options. The letter stated that the parishioner had not received the questionnaire sent out by the Council, but on checking the paperwork 4 replies were received from the parishioer’s household.

• Parish Councillor Vacancy Due to the resignation of Mrs Andrea Wainwright there is a vacancy for a Parish Councillor. Notices have been displayed on Parish notice boards. The closing date for nominations was 30th March 2012. Awaiting notification from HBBC. • Golden Jubilee Donation A £100 donation was agreed towards planned events. The Parish Council does not hold any photos or information but has advised the Jubilee Committee to contact the Quarry or the school.

• PARISH PROPERTIES Recreation Ground - Dog Signs are needed inside the fenced play area to say no dogs allowed.

• Mowing Quotes • Brian Mee - £970.18 • Firetree - £1065.00 Countryside Gardens - £2,047.00 • The Council will proceed with Brian Mee’s 3 year Quote • PLANNING APPLICATIONS/PERMISSIONS/REFUSALS The Archeological report has taken place on the bottom allotments and nothing was found. The Parish Council expect the planning application to go before the Committee on the 1st May 2012. The application for 261 Main Street is also expected to be heard on that date.

• STREET LIGHTING A concern was raised by a parishioner regarding no street light at the top of the village and near Bell Close due to the part lighting. The Council did request that the Bell Close light be kept on. Clerk to contact LCC.

All work and no play You already suspected this: people who work long hours are twice as likely to suffer depression as those who work for a reasonable amount of time each day.

11 hours a day, and you are going to go downhill emotionally.

So although the occasional overtime is fine, beware too many excessive hours, according to a study led by University College London and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

Leading on from this, another study warns that becoming a workaholic will not compensate for an unhappy home life. The British Journal of Management has found a link between job and life satisfaction, but no evidence that people who are miserable at home will be able to find long term compensation by burying themselves in their work.

Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small mind discuss people.

27

Letter from Uncle Eustace

Beware all donations!

The Rectory St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren This has been an unusual month: we have moved from hysterical excitement to deep disappointment within the space of days.

For many years, our vestry has displayed an oil painting generously donated by the dowager duchess of Stansby – given to us, I suspect, because her son, the tenth Duke, would not allow it in his house. It was supposed to depict Daniel in the lions’ den, although I always thought it looked more like a prospective adopter visiting a dog rescue centre. The dowager was less than pleased when it wasn’t made the centrepiece in the sanctuary, but we managed to persuade her that her exceptional work of art would be safer from theft if locked away.

Our cleaner happened to knock it off the wall. If it had landed in her bucket of disinfectant and been totally destroyed, it would have been a sadness I suspect I could have learned to bear. But something more interesting happened. Some of the dowager’s oil was chipped off – to reveal a painting underneath of what looked like a cherub.

The cleaner told the churchwarden, who instructed her not to tell anyone about the find. This inevitably meant that, within the hour, the entire parish knew of the discovery of what had already been transformed into a priceless pre-Raphaelite treasure. Our churchwarden has yet to learn the fact that if you tell someone something in complete confidence, they assume it means they can only tell one other person at a time.

By evening, mutually opposed camps had already formed. Miss Timmins wanted the treasure to be placed in a side chapel, as a shrine, preferably with candles permanently burning beside it. She envisaged St. James the Less becoming a place of pilgrimage and that this yet-to-be revealed cherub may work miracles of healing. She was already asking for opinions about where the car park should be built to cater for the thousands of tourists who would soon be flocking here. Another group wanted to sell it as soon as possible and use the money to repair our church tower. A third group insisted the fortune it would raise be given to African missionaries.

Meanwhile, the tenth Duke was consulting his solicitors to see how he might get the canvas back to his castle.

We compromised by getting the thing X-rayed, to see what work of art lay underneath. It turned out to be by a local artist who had painted an advert for the village pharmacist to sell his own brand of gripe water.

Shrines, towers and good deeds were quietly forgotten and the last we heard of the tenth Duke was that he was consulting a second set of solicitors to see if he can get out of paying the first set for the work they had done to retrieve the painting.

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

Dog owners reminded ‘Any bin will do’

DOG owners in Hinckley and Bosworth are being reminded they can use any litter bin as well as dog mess bins to ‘bag and bin’ dog mess when they are out walking their pets.

The Borough Council hopes this will make it easier and even more convenient for dog owners to dispose of bagged dog mess whenever they are out and about in the borough.

And to support this message, stickers prompting dog owners to ‘bag that poo, any bin will do’ are being put on litter bins all over the borough.

At the same time the council is reminding dog owners that anyone caught allowing their dog, or any dog they are in charge of to mess in a public place, may be issued with a fixed penalty notice for £50. Failure to pay could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

Borough Council Neighbourhood Warden Lisa Kirby said: “Neighbourhood Wardens and parking wardens issue on the spot penalties to offenders and so far this year eight people have been fined, but we can’t be everywhere. That’s why we are appealing to residents to help us identify those dog owners who are failing to pick up after their pets “Anyone who has information can contact us anonymously and in confidence – by working together we can target our patrols and catch the persistent offenders.

“We know that the majority of dog owners are very responsible and share our dismay at the small minority of dog owners who think it is ok to let their dogs mess in public places and then walk away and leave it.”

For more information, or to report a dog owner to the Neighbourhood Wardens contact 01455 238141.

Sleep: a completely inadequate substitute for caffeine.

28

Local Church Service Information

Without Walls Christian Fellowship, 135 Main St Stanton Under Bardon Sunday May 6th - Meeting at 10am with junior church provided Tuesday May 8th & Wednesday May 9th - midweek eve groups, Thursday morning 10th ladies bible study, please call 07875378628 for details

Sunday 20th May 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 27th May 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 3rd June 10.30am Morning Service

Sunday 10th June 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper

St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield

10:15-11.30am Sunday Club for Children in the Congregational Hall on the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays, term time All Age Service in Church on the 2nd Sunday each month.

Sunday 13th May 10.15 am Sunday Club Anniversary at the Congregational Church 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Sunday May 13th Meeting at 10am with guest speaker from Ghana, junior church provided

Sunday School Anniversary 10.30am Sunday 17th June followed by a Bring & Share Sunday Lunch

Tuesday May 15th & Wednesday May 16th - midweek eve groups, Thursday morning 17th ladies bible study

There is a Sunday Club in our hall for children & young people during the Morning Service. For further details, our contact list is in the Cross Hills News section of this magazine.

Thursday 17th May 7.30 pm Ascension Day Communion

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield

Sunday 20th May 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield at Trinity Methodist Church 6.00pm Evening Prayer

Sunday May 20th - Meeting at 10am with guest speaker from Cape Town, South Africa, Junior church provided Thursday morning May 24th Ladies Bible Study Sunday May 27th - Family meeting with CAFE 4U at 4pm, celebrating Pentecost.

Tuesday May 29th - Bible School at 7pm, looking at 1 & 2 Thessalonians Sunday June 3rd, Jubilee family celebration meeting 10am with lunch after

Sunday 6th May 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Taizé Style Service

Proceeds for

Lupus UK To raise awareness of Lupus & support research

Sunday June 10th - meeting at 10am with guest speaker, junior Church provided Sunday June 17th - Meeting at 10am, family father’s day celebration Sunday June 24th - Family meeting at 4pm with CAFE 4U.

Markfield Congregational Church Sunday 13 May 10.15am SUNDAY CLUB DAY in Our Church Sunday 20 May 10.30am Churches Together in Markfield United Service in Trinity Methodist Church Sunday 27 May 10.15am Morning Worship in Our Church Sunday 3 June 10.15am Morning Worship in Our Church followed by Communion Sunday 10 June 10.15am Morning Worship in Our Church

Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton

Friday 18th May 8.00 pm Taizé Style Service

Sunday 27th May 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

10.00 – 12.00 MARKFIELD METHODIST CHURCH (Opposite The Green)

Sunday 13th May Christian Aid Week Begins 10.30am Morning Communion Service 4.00pm Café Church Service Sunday 20th May 10.30am United Service at Methodist Church 6.00pm Evening Communion Service Pentecost Sunday 27th May 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Service Trinity Sunday 3rd June 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Taizé Style Service Sunday 10th June 10.30am Morning Service 4.00pm Café Church Service

Sunday 6th May 10.30am Morning Service

Sunday 17th June – Father’s Day 10.30am United Service at Methodist Church 4.00pm Circuit Service at Trinity Methodist Church, Narborough Road

Sunday 13th May Christian Aid Week, joint service 10.30am at Stanton under Bardon

Sunday 24th June 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Communion Service

Sunday 27th May 10.30 am All Age Service Sunday 3rd June 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 10th June 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 17th June 9.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 24th June 10.30 am All Age Service

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth Please note: Services will be at Bagworth Community Centre Sunday 3rd June 9.00 am Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak Sunday 13th May 9.15 am Holy Communion (said)

Sunday 3rd June 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 20th May 3.00 pm Praise Service

Sunday 10th June 10.30 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Sunday 27th May 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Friday 15th June 8.00 pm Iona Style Service

Saturday, May 12th

Sunday 20th May 9.00 am Holy Communion

Sunday 17th June 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield at Trinity Methodist Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Sunday 24th June 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 13th May 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 20th May 10.30 am “Something Different” Sunday 27th May 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 3rd June 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 10th June 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 17th June 10.30 am “Something Different” Sunday 24th June 10.30 am Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, Thornton Sunday 13th May 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 3rd June 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Sunday 10th June 9.15 am Holy Communion (said) Sunday 17th June 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 24th June 6.00 pm Holy Communion

The passenger tapped the cab driver on the shoulder to ask him something.

The driver screamed, lost control of the car, nearly hit a bus, went up on the pavement, and stopped inches from a department store window. For a second everything went quiet in the cab, then the driver said, “Look mate, don’t ever do that again. You scared me half to death!”

The passenger apologized and said he didn’t realize that a little tap could scare him so much.

The driver replied, “You’re right. I’m sorry. Really, it’s not your fault. Today is my first day as a cab driver.

I’ve been driving a hearse for 25 years.”

Teamwork is essential - it allows you to blame someone else.

29

CLA backs Church’s opposition to VAT increase on alterations CLA Midlands is backing the Church of England’s campaign against the VAT increase on alterations to listed buildings.

Previously zero-rated, this will rise to 20 percent, costing the Church up to £20million per annum. When all listed buildings are taken into account the Association says it amounts to a £125 million tax raid on Britain’s heritage.

Caroline Bedell Director CLA Midlands said: “The budget announcement came as a kick in the teeth to all owners of listed buildings and the impact is being felt widely. By scrapping the zero rate of VAT on alterations to listed buildings the Chancellor has removed the only remaining advantage of having a building listed.

“Work on listed buildings can already cost significantly more in materials and skills, and the VAT increase makes the situation worse. To compound matters the Chancellor also missed the opportunity to revitalise the heritage sector by reducing the VAT rate on repairs, as the CLA has long recommended.

“The Church and its properties are central to life in rural areas. They provide community facilities on a tight budget but alterations to make buildings more useful to modern society will now be at risk.

“The CLA, like the Church of England is asking its members to provide examples of how the changes will impact on their ability to maintain heritage buildings, which will provide useful evidence for our continued lobbying.

The CLA is by far the biggest ‘owner’ stakeholder group in the heritage field and its 35,000 members manage or own between a quarter and a third of all heritage in England and Wales.

Each year its members spend at least a billion pounds on repairing historic buildings, welcome millions of visitors, paying and non-paying, and make many thousands of applications for planning permission and listed building consent. A major CLA report ‘Averting crisis in heritage’ was launched in July 2011.

Mrs Bedell added: “The unintended consequence of this decision is that, in future, owning a listed building will be almost entirely negative. It will jeopardise support for the listing system and puts the very future of our heritage under threat.

Ratby Village Society

Ratby Village Society meetings start at 8.00 pm in the Village Hall, Main Street, Ratby, on the third Tuesday monthly with the exception of JULY & DECEMBER when there are no meetings. The AGM takes place in February. Admission for members is £1.60 (Membership £5.00) and casual guests £2.50 refreshments included. All welcome.

Tuesday 15th May – ‘Post Office Patter’ – the other side of the counter!

Ever wondered what goes on from the business side of the counter well come and find out with a talk given by Mrs Taylor about the things we don’t know!

Ratby’s Annual Show 2012

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE. This will take place on Saturday 11th August at the SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB with more classes to enter and more certificates to win. You don’t have to live in Ratby so don your gardening togs and get planting, create your craft masterpieces, practice your cakes etc., everyone very welcome.

Look What’s On At The Palace, Ibstock 57 High Street, Ibstock, Leics. LE67 6LH • Tel: 01530 267303

~ Forthcoming Events ~ Friday, 4th May - Charity Organ Concert. Tickets: £6.00 from Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460 or Mr Martin, Tel: 01455 290145 or Mr Lines, Tel: 01530 457274 Friday,11th May - Film Night – ‘The Iron Lady’ (12A) – Winner of 2 Oscars! A look at the life of Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, with a focus on the price she paid for power. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets: £4.00/£3.00 from Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.

Friday,18th May – ‘The Dolly Mixtures’ present ‘A Merry Mixture’, a musical review. All proceeds in aid of Ibstock Scouts and Guides.

Performance starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets: £6.00 from Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460 or from Lois on Tel:01530 261686.

Saturday,19th May – Badapple Theatre Company presents ‘Eddie and The Gold Tops’ (in conjunction with ‘Centre Stage’; the rural theatre touring scheme) Comedy with music, from the team behind ‘Back to the Land Girls’. Written & directed by Kate Bramley with original songs and music

by Jez Lowe. It’s the 1960’s and every village has a band determined to hit the big time. This tale follows Eddie, a hard-working milkman, inspired by the cream of the pop charts and tired of the milk-float of ordinary life, ever dreaming of stardom & success.

Eddie inherited the family milk round from his father & has fulfilled his deathbed promise to never miss a delivery for the good people of the village. But suddenly things are on the up! His songs are heading up the charts & if he can get there by tonight he’ll be on Top of The Pops. So, get ready, Eddie, go! You’re heading for the high life, with the fabulous Gold Tops behind you every step of the way! Performance begins at 7.30pm. Tickets: £8.00, concessions £6.00 Combination ticket (1 Adult & 2 children) £16.00 from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.

IDC Home Maintenance Painter Decorator and Property Maintenance NO JOB TOO SMALL From changing a light bulb to complete house re-decoration.

For all the jobs you need to do but simply don’t have time.

For a free quotation please call Ian on:

01530 245461

or

07885 541428

3 The Nook, Markfield, Leicestershire

Web site: www.idchomemaintenance.co.uk

Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

Saturday, 26th May – Ashby Concert Band presents a concert of film music to celebrate and commemorate: The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (The Orb & Sceptre March written by William Walton for the Coronation). The Centenary of The Palace (music from ‘Jungle Book’ - the last film to be shown before closure in 1977). The London Olympics and the sinking of the Titanic (music from the film).

Performance starts at 7.30 p.m.

Tickets: £7.00 from Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.

Friday, 1st June - Charity Organ Concert Tickets: £6.00 from Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460 or Mr Martin, Tel: 01455 290145 or Mr Lines, Tel: 01530 457274.

Saturday, 2nd June - The Palace Craft & Gift Fair from 10.00am until 3.00pm.

FREE ADMISSION. Large variety of interesting stalls including; Jewellery, wooden toys, hand-knitted goods, ceramics, cookies, books, bags PLUS craft supplies, Fair-Trade and much more....

Saturday, 2nd June - Palace Social Dance – A very popular evening of Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence with Eddie ‘The Collector’, (D J and host).

Doors/box office/bar open at 7.00pm.

Dancing from 7.30pm ‘til 11.00pm.

Tickets: £5.00 from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.

Tuesday, 5th June - An Indoor Diamond Jubilee Street Party to celebrate 60 glorious years on the throne for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Doors open at midday. For time table of events see press and posters.

Watch the proceedings live from London, and around the country, on The Palace’s massive screen with ‘High Definition and ‘cinema’ surround sound. The next best thing to being there! Homemade cakes, refreshments and licensed bar. FREE ADMISSION

30 Borough Council News

Wanted: young people keen to make a difference to the community As you may be aware the Old Hinckley and Bosworth Youth Council has been re developed into a new and exciting structure for the borough. This is in line with county strategy and gives a much more accessible and flexible model.

Word Search Puzzle If you’ve enjoyed reading this issue of The Herald, please pass it on to a friend or relative when you’ve finished with it.

It’s good to share! Thanks.

We are in the first stages of re forming and need your help to recruit young people who may be interested in making a real difference to the community and make changes on things that matter to them.

We are looking for any young people: • Aged 11-19yrs • Who are keen, • Enthusiastic • Passionate.

To get things started and explain things in more detail there is an event being held on May 10th at the Meeting Centre in Hinckley at 5.307.30pm.

The event is going to be really interactive and exciting, giving those young people who attend the opportunity to help design a brand for the new voice group, help to prioritise what is important to them, sign up to get involved in all kinds of activities.

As well as this there will be giveaways, goodies and nibbles.

For more information contact Rebecca Ball- Children and Young People’s Strategic Co-ordinator on Tel: 01455 255937 or email: Subscriber Login rebecca.ball@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

Passcode/New Users

Shakespeare Wordsearch

SCI-FI WORDSEARCH

Win a Main Course for Two and a Bottle of Wine!

T B T I E K I L U O Y S A C N F

D U R G J X X O C V B V O P K Y

H O T O J G X V J U R R M G R B

P W H X M C K E W A I C J A T S

Y W G H C E N S E O X F S H H V

U B I H T M O L L F W E A T E Q

S B N O P J G A A P A V Y E T K

E R H Y K N N B N C C V S B E N

Z P T K I U Q O S D X N G C M E

X R F K S Y K U T G J W W A P O

G E L X D B I R K E I U C M E H

G Y E I N L R S Y C L J L X S F

Q L W B U S L L Q S F M L I T H

G I T J V R U O J D Q H A H E E

M U P A H E M S V Y R N E H B T

B T H E W I N T E R S T A L E U

Help STORE

find the titles of 12 of William Shakespeare’s plays in this month’s Wordsearch puzzle and you could win yourself a meal and a drink.

This month we are offering a TASTY prize of: A Main Course for Two, plus A Bottle of House Wine at The FieldHead Hotel.

To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - 12 of Shakespeare’s plays. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

Send your entry to: to be or Not To Be, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Tuesday 29th May 2012.

Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s Balaclava will win the Meal for Two at The Field Head Hotel.

Good luck!

Here are the 12 plays you have to find: AS YOU LIKE IT • CORIOLANUS • HAMLET • HENRY V JULIUS CAESAR • KING LEAR • LOVES LABOURS LOST • MACBETH ROMEO AND JULIET • THE TEMPEST • THE WINTERS TALE • TWELFTH NIGHT Name: ...................................................................................................

Address: ................................................................................................ .............................................................................................................. .............................................. Postcode: ................................................

Last issue’s Wordsearch winner!

Glenis Meadows of Rectory Road, Markfield

Congratulations! Your Meal & Wine Voucher to spend at the Field Head Hotel will be sent to you in the next 21 days.

What adults like most about rollercoasters is being able to sit down after standing in line for two hours.

ASYOULIKEIT

31

10

Yea Guara r

ntee

When I was a child, I always had my nose in a book. My parents couldn’t afford Kleenex.

OPEN MORNING OLCS INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL (3–18) Saturday, 12th May 9.30am to 12 noon

EDUCATION AND FULFILMENT THROUGH CHALLENGE AND SUPPORT t Co-educational Nursery and Primary School (3–11). t Girls only Senior and Sixth Form (11–18). t Central Loughborough location (off Park Road). t Personalised guided tours, no appointment necessary. t Talk to our Headteacher and staff. t See at first hand the enriched curriculum we offer. t Hear what our students have to say about life at OLCS. t Get ‘hands-on’ with snakes, spiders and lizards in the Primary School.

Legis Plenitudo Caritas t Enter our fun children’s colouring competition.

Our Lady’s Convent School, Gray Street, Loughborough LE11 2DZ Telephone: 01509 263901 Web: www.OLCS.leics.sch.uk Member of ISA